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Tuesday, 28 July 2009 15:53 |
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New science research unveiled that two thirds of all species of freshwater crab are at the risk of extinction, one in six species is particularly vulnerable.
Freshwater crab, according to latest study, is among the most threatened of all groups of animals so far.
The IUCN Red List assessment, led by scientists from ZSL and Northern Michigan University discovered that about one sixth of all freshwater crab species are threatened with extinction because of habitat loss and pollution.
Freshwater crabs have important role in recycling organic remains.
“The loss of freshwater crabs threatens to interrupt the processes that provide benefits to humans such as nutrient cycling and maintaining water quality” said ZSL's Dr. Ben Collen.
“We must set clear goals to reverse these trends and ensure that our enduring legacy is not to wipe out the small things that provide us with great benefits, such as nutrient cycling and even climate regulation.”
Most threatened species of freshwater crabs are highly sensitive to habitat loss, pollution, and water siltation.
Image credits: anu.edu.au
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